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Police hunt Elvis impersonator

Police are hunting a 60-year-old Elvis impersonator who is believed to have access to guns.

Derrel Weaver is being sought after a domestic-related incident at his home, Higher Widlake Farm in Widegates, Cornwall, at 9.30pm yesterday.

Members of the public who spot the motorcycle enthusiast are warned not to approach him and to call 999 immediately.

Officers say it is unclear whether Mr Weaver, who plays with rock band DW & The Road Rockets, is armed but it is a possibility as he is a licensed firearms owner.

A high police presence remains in the Widegates and wider Looe area, including firearms officers and trained local officers.

This morning, the nearby Trenode Church of England Primary School was closed as a precaution.

Superintendent Jim Pearce, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "We would ask the public to be vigilant at what is obviously a disturbing time for local communities.

"If any member of the public sees Mr Weaver we would ask them to ring 999 and not to approach him.

"There are currently significant inquiries ongoing to locate Mr Weaver and this includes the chance he may be in possession of a firearm.

"There is currently no suggestion that Mr Weaver is any risk to members of the public, but we need to locate him as soon as possible.

"There is already extensive work ongoing to contact and speak to Mr Weaver by trained police co-ordinators and this also remains ongoing.

Mr Pearce added: "Police are aware of this and are doing everything possible to maintain the safety of the community, but we would ask all local people to be patient at what is obviously a disruptive time.

"There is a large number of police experts specifically trained for incidents like this currently involved in the operation."

On a Google Plus page for Mr Weaver, he is described as having founded The 750Fours, a club for owners of Honda CB750 motorbikes.

A statement on the About section adds: "Derrel is lead singer with the Rock n Roll Revival Band DW & The Road Rockets, and has also launched a successful solo career, releasing eight albums to date."

The page describes Mr Weaver's occupation as "Rock n Roll Singer" and adds that he runs his own tree surgery business, having been trained by the National Trust.

Albums released by Mr Weaver, priced at £9.99, include covers of numerous Elvis songs such as Blue Suede Shoes and Return to Sender.

Police say they "remain concerned" for the welfare of Mr Weaver and have appealed for anyone who knows of his location to call 999.

Officers are continuing with searches of a number of properties in, around and neighbouring Higher Widlake Farm.

Mr Weaver is believed to be in the area close to Widegates and his home address, though his exact whereabouts are not known to police.

Superintendent Jim Pearce said: "We do not believe that Derrel has planned for this and so we would like to reassure him that this can be resolved safely and would urge him to make contact with us as soon as he is able.

"We are trying to make contact with Derrel so that we can understand why this has happened today.

"Our paramount concern is to resolve the incident as safely as possible to all concerned."

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